i6o Seven Years in the Soudan.

advantage ! But the fear of an invasion by the natives of Tal)i caused the natives to prefer homes that differ little from an eagle's nest, rather than decent and comfortable houses. But the natives of Agaro have little that is good. They are degraded by idleness, and, taught b} the bad example of the plunderers from Tavi, the} have become fierce, so that we were told it was dangerous to visit their villages. When darkness again fell, we broke up our camp and set < out straight for the banks of the Tumat, where every fear s ceased, since we entered the friendly and allied territory of the Sheikh of Benisliansral, who travelled with us. The solemnity of oui- march Avas still greater ; the moon was invisible, but from time to time the threateuinof orlare of an immense fire shone through the branches of the primeval trees. It was a mere fire of straw, and not of burning villages. The savasres had set fire in